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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a major concern, you may prefer the Beats Solo 3, which provides a midrange price and good value. However, if superior sound quality and the latest technology are more important to you, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 may be the better choice, despite being more expensive. The PI7 features advanced audio codecs such as AptX Adaptive and AptX LL, which the Beats Solo 3 lacks, offering potentially better sound reproduction and low-latency performance ideal for activities like watching TV or gaming. Additionally, the PI7 provides a stemless earbud design and is newer, which could carry advantages in design and technology. However, as over-ear headphones, the Beats Solo 3 may offer better passive noise isolation and battery life than the PI7 earbuds. Both have integrated microphones, but the sound quality of calls may differ between the two, with the PI7 likely to have improved microphone performance due to its more recent release. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7.
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
6.3
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Beats Solo 3 are both only fair for music, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.3
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
4.8
The Beats Solo 3 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
Build Quality
8.0
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 7 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."
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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 Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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