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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Solo 3 are over-ear, closed-back headphones, which typically offer a more immersive listening experience, especially for music, and are well-suited for air travel due to their solid noise isolation and long battery life. However, they are bulkier and less comfortable for long periods compared to earbuds. Meanwhile, "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds are more comfortable for extended wear and more portable, with a smaller size and case that supports wireless charging. They offer better call quality, have low latency mode for gaming and TV, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. The earbuds also feature active noise cancelling, sweat and dust resistance, which makes them versatile for use during exercise and everyday commuting. In summary, if portability, call quality, and versatility are your top priorities, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) would be a better choice, but if you seek a more immersive music experience and don't mind the bulkier form for a lower price, the Beats Solo 3 could fit your needs better. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Beats Solo 3 has very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | March 1, 2023 | |
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 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 4.4 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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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