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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Solo 3 are over-ear headphones that offer a generally good sound quality, a long battery life, and foldability, which is convenient for portability. They're also more suited for exercise and have a more durable build. On the other hand, the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds have superior noise isolation, thanks to their active noise cancelling, which makes them particularly suitable for air travel and environments where reducing background noise is important. They also provide a better overall sound quality and comfort, but they have a lower battery life. If you prioritize noise cancellation and sound quality in a compact earbud form, go with the Bose. However, if you're looking for more affordable, durable headphones that are good for longer listening sessions and exercise, consider the Beats Solo 3. 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 Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds.
Advantages of the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Good for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3
7.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.7
6.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
9.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$199
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds costs $199.
Build Quality
8.0
8.9
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality, though the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds to be only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Bose | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | October 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 8.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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.
About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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